Halloween is one of our favorite holidays! But it can be tricky to navigate when you have pets at home. At Rose City Vet Clinic, we see a spike in emergency visits every October, so we’ve put together this handy guide of do’s and don’ts to keep your furry friends safe and stress-free this spooky season!
DO: Keep All Candy Out of Reach
Store your Halloween candy in a secure cabinet or high shelf where curious paws can’t reach it. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and cats, with dark chocolate and baking chocolate being the most dangerous. Even small amounts can cause serious health issues.
Sugar-free candies containing xylitol are also extremely dangerous and can cause liver failure in dogs. Raisins and grapes, often found in trail mixes, can also be dangerous and lead to kidney failure.
If you have kids, remind them that sharing Halloween treats with pets is a big no-no, no matter how much your pet might beg!
DON’T: Force Your Pet to Wear a Costume
While that hot dog costume might look adorable on Instagram, not every pet enjoys being dressed up. If your dog or cat seems stressed, keeps trying to remove the costume, or can’t move freely, it’s your sign to skip the outfit. Always supervise costumed pets and ensure the costume doesn’t restrict their breathing, vision, or movement. Check for small parts like buttons or decorative pieces that could become choking hazards.
DO: Create a Safe Space Away from the Door
The constant doorbell ringing and parade of costumed strangers can be overwhelming for pets. Set up a quiet room with your pet’s bed, favorite toys, and maybe some soft music to help them feel secure. This also prevents escape attempts when you’re opening the door for trick-or-treaters. Halloween is one of the busiest nights of the year for lost pets, so taking this precaution can save you a lot of heartache.
DON’T: Use Real Candles in Decorations
Jack-o’-lanterns with flickering candles might set the perfect mood, but wagging tails and curious noses around open flames are a recipe for disaster. Switch to battery-operated LED candles instead. They create the same ambiance without the fire risk. Your pets will thank you!
DO: Update Your Pet’s ID Tags
Before Halloween night arrives, double-check that your pet’s collar has current ID tags with your phone number. If you haven’t already, consider getting your pet microchipped. With all the commotion, even the calmest pets might slip out an open door, and proper identification is the fastest way to reunite with a lost pet.
DON’T: Leave Decorations Where Pets Can Reach Them
Electrical cords from light displays are tempting chew toys for bored pets. It’s best to keep them tucked away and secured for Halloween night. Glow sticks, while not highly toxic, can cause excessive drooling and mouth irritation if your pet bites into one. Small decorative items like plastic spiders, fake cobwebs, and hanging bats can become choking hazards or cause intestinal blockages if swallowed.
DO: Offer Pet-Friendly Treats
Just because your pet can’t have candy doesn’t mean they should miss out on the fun! Pick up some special pet-safe treats so they can join in the celebration safely. You can even find Halloween-themed dog and cat treats at most pet stores, or make your own with pet-friendly recipes. This way, they won’t feel left out when everyone else is enjoying goodies.
DON’T: Wait to Call If Something Goes Wrong
If you suspect your pet has eaten something toxic or is showing signs of distress like vomiting, excessive drooling, lethargy, or unusual behavior, don’t take a “wait and see” approach. Contact us immediately. When it comes to poisoning or other emergencies, every minute counts. It’s always better to call and have it turn out to be nothing than to wait too long.
Halloween should be fun for everyone in your family, including your four-legged members. With a little preparation and awareness, you can enjoy all the festivities while keeping your pets safe and comfortable. If you have any questions or concerns about Halloween safety for your pet, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re here to help your pets have a happy, healthy Halloween!
Have a safe and spooky Halloween from all of us at Rose City Vet Clinic!
